How Do I Maintain My James Hardie Siding?

If you’re ready to change the tired looking siding on your home, you’ll want to consider James Hardie siding. James Hardie manufactures durable and attractive fiber cement siding that is sure to complement the look and design of any home.

One of the things that homeowners appreciate most about their James Hardie siding is how easy it is to maintain compared to other siding options. Manufactured from high-quality materials and using James Hardie’s own ColorPlus® technology, you’ll get decades of worry-free life without any fading.

Cleaning Your James Hardie Siding

Despite its durability and colorfast nature, your new cement fiber siding will be susceptible to getting dirty from time to time. We suggest cleaning it once or twice a year to ensure it’s free of dirt and debris and that your home looks its best.

The best way to clean James Hardie siding is with a soft brush or cloth and a mild biodegradable soap, such as dish soap. Avoid using detergents with harsh chemicals as they can damage fiber cement. Dilute a bit of soap and warm water making sure not to use too much. An excessive amount of suds will make it more difficult to rinse away the residue.

Begin cleaning the siding starting from the top and working your way down. Gently wash away any dirt, grime or debris, scrubbing in the same direction as your sighting. That is to say, if you have horizontal planks, you should scrub in a sideways motion. (Pro tip: use an extension pole with a brush or sponge attachment to get too hard to reach areas.)

Once the entire surface has been cleaned, rinse away any remaining suds or soap residue using your garden hose.

Using a Power Washer to Clean Your Siding

Larger surfaces or those with a heavier buildup of dirt may make it necessary to use a power washer to clean your fiber cement siding. Although these tools make short work of the task and are quite convenient, care must be taken as they have the potential of damaging the siding.

Be sure to use a low power washer (power washers with no more than 1500 PSI), with a fan tip attachment, and at a distance of 6 feet or more away from the wall at all times.

Other Maintenance Tasks

You should also be sure to clean up your gutters on a regular basis and look after blocked pipes and overflows as needed.

If any of the caulking around the flashings, plank and trim connections, and other joints begins to exhibit signs of wear such as peeling or cracking, be sure to reapply, using a caulk that remains permanently flexible. Doing this will help to prevent moisture from entering the wall cavity.

With James Hardie siding, you’ll enjoy the lasting beauty and durability that only top-quality cement fiber siding can offer. When you choose a pre-tinted option using ColorPlus® technology, you’ll get decades of fade-free beauty that never needs to be repainted and is easy to maintain. To find out if James Hardie siding is right for your Colorado Springs, CO home, contact Siding Pro today and schedule your free consultation.